Fuel hikes threaten sardine supply

SSS-GSIS Pensyonado Party-list Rep. Rolando Macasaet urged concerned government agencies last week to take urgent action to prevent a possible sardine shortage as rising fuel prices continue to batter the fishing industry.

Macasaet warned that escalating fuel costs are putting severe pressure on the sardine sector in the Zamboanga Peninsula, threatening the livelihood of more than 30,000 workers dependent on fishing, canning, packaging, and tin can manufacturing.

According to the lawmaker, reports from the Southern Philippines Fishing Association and the Department of Labor and Employment showed that around 70 percent of current sardine industry operations have already been affected by higher operating expenses.

“Bilang isang Zamboangueño, alam ko kung gaano kahalaga ang industriyang ito sa kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan (As a Zamboangueño, I know how important this industry is to the livelihood of my townmates),” Macasaet said.

He noted that some operators have begun scaling down operations as fuel costs continue to climb, resulting in fewer fishing trips and reduced production activities.

“Kapag humina ang pangingisda, susunod ang canning tapos packaging at buong industriya ang maaapektuhan (If fishing declines, canning and packaging will follow, and the whole industry will be affected),” Macasaet added.

The lawmaker also cited reports that fisherfolk are already suffering from declining daily earnings, while workers in canning plants and tin manufacturing facilities are facing shorter work hours and possible job displacement.

Macasaet emphasized that the issue is not only an economic concern but also a growing food security problem, pointing out that sardines remain one of the cheapest protein sources for many Filipino households.

“Hindi lang ito krisis ng industriya, ito ay krisis sa pagkain ng bawat Pilipino. Nanawagan ako sa ibat-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan ng mas malalaking hakbang at aksyon para matugunan ang problemang ito (This is not just an industry crisis, this is a food crisis for every Filipino. I call on all concerned government agencies to take significant steps to address this problem),” he said.